University of New Orleans women on losing end of free-throw contest

In what proved to be a free-throw fest at Lakefront Arena on Wednesday night, UNO wasn't as effective as North Texas getting to the foul line or delivering once it got there.

The Lady Privateers missed an opportunity to extend their winning streak to three games, losing to the Mean Green 70-64.

The officials called 44 fouls that resulted in 68 free throws.

The Mean Green made 30 of 40 free-throw attempts -- 21 of 23 in the second half. The Lady Privateers were 19-for-28 from the line.

"That was huge for us being able to come in here and attack the basket and get to the free-throw line and make, " North Texas Coach Shanice Stephens said. "That has been a sore spot for us, and we really stepped up in the second half and made that happen."

Because of the officiating, both teams had players in foul trouble in the second half. UNO had four players finish with at least four fouls, with Helm and Bridges fouling out. Godbolt also fouled out, and two other Mean Green players had four fouls.

"Down the stretch, we've got to be able to hit those crucial little shots, " UNO Coach Amy Champion said. "We've got to nail some free throws, and we've got to be able to defend. But, obviously, in the halfcourt, they just kept putting the ball on the floor and driving and drive. And of course, with the officiating the way it was, we really never had a chance."

After winning their previous two games, the Lady Privateers started slow, falling behind 12-0.

UNO then went on a 20-3 run in the first half to take a 20-15 lead. The Lady Privateers led 28-27 at halftime.

"It is frustrating because we talk about this all the time, " Holmes said. "We talk about starting out slow. Before, when we were losing, that was one of our problems. We were coming out slow, and we weren't being aggressive, and we were turning the ball over."

It was a sloppier performance than the Lady Privateers' efforts last week against South Alabama and Arkansas State, both victories by double-digit margins. UNO shot 36.8 percent and committed 20 turnovers against the Mean Green.

But North Texas had its share of struggles, too, shooting 41.3 percent and turning the ball over 18 times.

"It's always tough losing a game that you feel like you should have won, " Bennett said. "It's definitely one we should have got."

The Lady Privateers outrebounded the Mean Green 39-32, which included 12 rebounds by Candice McGee.

North Texas led 57-52 with less than seven minutes remaining. UNO tied the score at 60 on a two free throws by Holmes.

The score was again tied at 62 when James stole an inbound pass by Holmes under the North Texas basket, raced down court and passed the ball to Kellum for a layup. Kellum was fouled on the play and made a free-throw to give the Mean Green a 65-62 lead.